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Bindings

K2 Lien FS 2015-2016 Snowboard Binding Review

UPDATE: Check out our review of the new 2018/2019 K2 Line Up here

After making a storming debut last season, the K2 Lien FS – along with its more freeride-friendly brother, the K2 Lien AT – returns for 2015/16.

It has retained the ‘Tripod’ baseplate, with three small urethane discs underfoot that act as contact points.The bindings can therefore flex a little from side to side, towards the nose and tail of the board. This makes for a more surfy ride – but if you’re after more dampening, there’s a shock-absorbing pad that can be placed under the baseplate.

The highback is made from urethane too, offering plenty of support while still allowing for big tweaks. The forward lean adjuster is located to the side of the heelcup, meaning you get less bulk (and less weight) at the back.

The ‘FS’ stands for freestyle, so be sure to get these into the air to make the most of them. However, they’ve proved very popular with all-rounders who like their bindings secure, comfortable and responsive. Hell-for-leather types will prefer the Lien AT, but this will do the job for everyone else.

TESTER’S VERDICT:
Ed Blomfield – Whitelines

“Many bindings these days seem to be charging more money for less materials in the name of weight saving, but you wind up with something that looks like an expensive Swiss cheese. The K2 Lien FS is reassuringly substantial, with a proper highback and a really thick, wide heel strap.

It’s soft enough to tweak your grabs and doesn’t feel too twitchy on the piste, but at the same time there’s plenty of support for general cruising. Personally, I found the toe strap a little flimsy (especially compared to that luxurious rear cushion) but as with most toe straps it wasn’t crucial to performance.

If you crank your laces really tight or have generally compact boots (as I do) then you may want to consider going a size down since K2 have been generous with their strap length. Once set-up, however, you’ll find the Lien is a solid, simple binding that’s ideal for the all terrain freestyle rider.

Colourways are a bit bipolar I’m afraid: crazy hippy or plain old black.”

“It’s soft enough to tweak your grabs and doesn’t feel too twitchy on the piste, but at the same time there’s plenty of support for general cruising”

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